Chapter 328: Raising Junior Sister to a Hundred Years, Using…

"What state is this...?"

Ling'e's consciousness returned from her enlightenment, and she carefully observed the many changes in her primordial spirit and Dao body. Self-examination and inner reflection are the first things a professional qi refiner must do after exiting a cultivation retreat.

Ling'e looked within herself: her mind was clear and light, her immortal power flowed like a mountain spring, and her Dao charm was serene and effortless, yet with a hint of playfulness... The tiny primordial spirit, clad in a small immortal dress, sat upright in meditation. Every part of her immortal body was intimately connected to her primordial spirit, which had achieved a state of pure flawlessness, ethereal lightness, and illusion.

The Heavenly Immortal Realm! A ripple spread through Ling'e's heart; she had actually reached the Heavenly Immortal Realm! There was nothing to be surprised about, after all, her senior brother had guided her all the way, so this must all be within his arrangements. Thinking of this, Ling'e felt a hint of resentment. She always felt as if her entire life had been arranged by her senior brother...

A True Immortal's lifespan was merely one 'hui', while a Heavenly Immortal's lifespan could reach one 'yuan'. In the Primordial World, the terms 'yuan' and 'hui' have two meanings: according to the laws of the Heavenly Dao, one 'yuan' equals 129,600 years, and one 'yuan' is divided into twelve 'hui', with each 'hui' being 10,800 years. Logically, "one yuan-hui" should refer to the length of 'yuan multiplied by hui', but in most cases, 'one yuan-hui' refers to the 'yuan' scale. In other words, even if she could never break through again, she could still accompany her senior brother for 129,600 years.

'For such a long time, I wonder if my senior brother will get tired of me,' Ling'e mumbled to herself, and her little primordial spirit also showed a hint of worry.

Her immortal consciousness slowly swept across, and the entire situation of the immortal sect unfolded in her mind. With a slight shift in her thoughts, the ripples on the water's surface, created by the spirit fish gently flicking their tails in the lake, also seemed to ripple in her mind. It was clear, distinct, gentle, and comfortable... Like a light feather drifting between heaven and earth, like a butterfly wandering among flowers. Her body felt incredibly light, as if it would float away with the surrounding spiritual energy.

Ling'e's long eyelashes fluttered, and her eyes slowly opened. Spiritual light, like stardust, scattered from the corners of her eyes, and her clear gaze gently rippled... She found herself hovering three feet above the ground, so she slowly descended, her soft skirt falling gracefully, and her black hair scattered and gently swaying. She spread her hands and looked down at herself, feeling that she had changed a lot, yet also as if nothing had changed. Her gaze inadvertently fell upon her fingertips, and she noticed her immortal skin was as fair and translucent as solidified jade. Lightly pinching her fingers together a few times, she found them incredibly smooth.

"Wow..." Ling'e whispered in admiration, immediately captivated. She poked and pinched herself, her cheeks turning crimson.

Her immortal consciousness caught sight of her senior brother's figure in the adjacent thatched hut, and a wave of joy immediately surged through her. Was her senior brother guarding her cultivation retreat? Uh, no, it seemed to be a paper effigy that had stopped moving.

"Hmph," Ling'e pouted, then realized her senior brother must be busy with something. She could only be generous this once and continue to forgive him. Just then, she noticed the peaches on the table and the note beside the bed. Ling'e was about to pick up the note with her spiritual power when she suddenly thought of something. *There's a problem.*

Ling'e's eyes narrowed slightly. She took out a paper figure from her sleeve and tossed it out, then retreated to the side of the door, letting the paper figure cautiously open the note.

Li Changshou, who was multitasking by toasting the Four Dragon Kings with Lord Dongmu, silently watched Ling'e's actions. *Look how scared this child is... She's had a pretty tough time these past years, so from now on, she should be... treated a bit more strictly. After all, her strength improved too quickly, and her mental fortitude was still insufficient.*

Soon, Ling'e finished reading the note and couldn't help but look at the three peaches... Heavenly Peaches of Immortality? Eating them could increase cultivation, enhance immortal foundation, whiten skin, and gather spiritual energy? *Heh, she didn't believe it.* Controlling the paper figure to slowly approach, Ling'e threw out a dagger, instructing the paper figure to catch it, and was about to stab the peaches a few times.

Li Changshou's slightly helpless voice sounded in time... "This really isn't a test this time. Just eat a peach and continue cultivating. I'll come find you in three hours; there are some things I need to discuss with you formally."

Senior brother? For-formally... Ling'e blinked, her pretty face tinged with a slight blush. Her bare feet lightly tapped, and she floated to the table, picked up a peach, and took a small bite, but she couldn't taste anything.

What serious matter? C-could it be... *Ling'e, you're already a mature junior sister. Tonight, your senior brother will discuss with you some things that fellow cultivators, who are like Dao companions, should do.*

With a *poof*, Ling'e's face turned crimson as she held the peach, wisps of white smoke rising from her head. She became dizzy, her eyes swirling with peach-shaped hearts...

Li Changshou's gaze swept over this scene, and he couldn't help but chuckle softly. Indeed, his guess was correct; the amount of steam was much greater.

With a shift in the mental image, Li Changshou's attention returned to the Heavenly Court's Jade Pond. At the Heavenly Peach Banquet, songs and dances brought auspiciousness. Several dragon maidens from the Dragon Race also came forward to perform dances. Several Heavenly Generals of the Heavenly Court sparred with dragon princes, demonstrating their combat techniques, creating a scene of peace and harmony.

However, only the six old Daoists from the Western Cult were sitting on pins and needles. Although peaches were placed before them, they were concerned about their reputation and kept straight faces, not touching them. From this perspective, Li Changshou felt that these six old Daoists were at least a little cuter than their Second Patriarch.

Lord Lao was now nowhere to be seen. What shocked Li Changshou the most was that no one knew when Lord Lao had left. It was Old Brother Zhao who reminded Li Changshou; only then did Li Changshou look at Lord Lao's seat and find it empty. True insights are often found in silence, and the truth is revealed in the smallest details. This was truly a transcendent existence. However, Lord Lao was merely an avatar of the Saint Patriarch. One truly couldn't fathom how mysterious and profound the Saint Patriarch's divine abilities must be.

As soon as Lord Lao left, Zhao Gongming immediately relaxed significantly, becoming loose and casual again, his sitting posture somewhat informal. Zhao Gongming mumbled, "Chang Geng, shall we go say hello to Matchmaker Yue? So it doesn't seem estranged when we visit the Hall of Matrimony later."

"Good," Li Changshou agreed with a smile. Carrying their wine cups, he and Zhao Gongming circled halfway around from the back to the corner where Matchmaker Yue was seated. Matchmaker Yue quickly stood up, his aged face bearing a gentle smile. At Li Changshou's reminder, he did not bow to Zhao Gongming. Zhao Gongming chuckled, radiating amiability, and said softly, "Matchmaker Yue, this humble Daoist extends his greetings." Matchmaker Yue cupped his hands and replied, "Daoist friend, this humble deity also extends his greetings."

Thereupon, Zhao Gongming offered a toast, then returned to their seats with Li Changshou. As they left, Li Changshou gave Matchmaker Yue a meaningful look and transmitted a message: "After the Heavenly Peach Banquet, I'll accompany Old Brother Gongming to the Hall of Matrimony. I have a favor to ask."

Matchmaker Yue's heart trembled. "W-what is it? Primeval beings, this humble deity can't control them. We don't even have clay figures for them."

"Don't worry," Li Changshou chuckled, "It's about some matters that you, Matchmaker Yue, will certainly understand."

Li Changshou's eyes held a hint of profound meaning, and Matchmaker Yue quickly grasped the guiding spirit of the influential minister. *Even if he didn't understand the problem, he *had* to understand it!*

Thus, throughout the entire Heavenly Peach Banquet, Matchmaker Yue was deeply furrowed in thought, constantly pondering what might happen... The senior outer disciple of the Jie Sect, an ordinary influential minister of the Heavenly Court, and the Hall of Matrimony... How did these come together? Matchmaker Yue, clad in red robes, gradually became entangled in his thoughts.

This Heavenly Peach Banquet was originally for the integration of the Dragon Race. Now that the Dragon Race had successfully submitted, although the Four Dragon Palaces still had various issues, the grand principle had been established. The Heavenly Court could now logically send aid to the Dragon Race. But this was not a one-time deal. Having received so much merit, Li Changshou would also proactively take on "after-sales service."

At the Heavenly Peach Banquet, while others were eating peaches, Li Changshou laid out a piece of cloth and began writing the next memorial. This was also a calculation. Li Changshou had already received the Jade Emperor's permission for this matter. Writing the memorial here wasn't to highlight his diligence; it was simply for the Dragon Race and the Western Cult to see, and to incidentally tell the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas that if they needed to submit memorials in the future, they should use this standard format.

Item one of the memorial: It was recommended that the Heavenly Court station troops in the North Sea, which was the weakest and had the most demons and devils. Beyond the miasma of North Kuru Continent, it could also serve as a training ground for the Heavenly Court army. The North Sea Dragon King immediately beamed with joy.

The second item, also beneficial to the Dragon Race, was for the Heavenly River Navy to be stationed at the edge of the Heavenly River, ready to respond to calls for aid from the Dragon Palaces with the fastest speed if any anomalies occurred in the Four Dragon Palaces. The Dragon Kings of the South Sea, North Sea, and East Sea all beamed simultaneously.

The third item stated that the Heavenly Court should restrain the Dragon Race with Heavenly Rules, preventing them from disregarding the rules due to their profound heritage. If any evil dragons were encountered, heavy punishment should be inflicted to serve as a warning. The Heavenly Court should establish a Dragon Execution Platform, balancing both benevolence and might. The West Sea Dragon King immediately looked like a bitter gourd, sighing with his head lowered.

After writing this memorial, Li Changshou put it away, to present it after the Heavenly Peach Banquet. The matter of the Dragon Race, the overall situation was settled. Only then did Li Changshou feel a slight sense of relief. After all, from now on, he wouldn't have to put in all the effort regarding the Dragon Race; His Majesty the Jade Emperor could directly intervene. Later, he would also turn "The Dragon Race Returns to the Heavenly Court" into ballads and historical anecdotes to spread throughout the Primordial World, enhancing the Heavenly Court's influence and presence. His paper effigy sat there, quietly waiting for the Heavenly Peach Banquet to end. From time to time, Heavenly Court immortals, gods, and Dragon Race elders would come to offer toasts. Li Changshou greeted them all with a smile, completely without pretense.

When the agreed time with Ling'e arrived, Li Changshou was just about to return his consciousness to Little Qiong Peak, but Ao Yi left his seat. What was this guy going to do? Li Changshou sent a request for eye contact, but Ao Yi was busy whispering with the East Sea Dragon King and didn't notice. Ao Yi first whispered a few words of discussion to the East Sea Dragon King. After receiving the Dragon King's nod of approval, he quickly approached the Jade Emperor's throne, lifted the hem of his battle skirt, and knelt on one knee.

"Your humble deity petitions Your Majesty!"

The white-robed Jade Emperor, who was smiling as he enjoyed the songs and dances, raised his hand in a supportive gesture and chuckled, "Just state your petition, Ao Yi. Rise and speak."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Ao Yi stood up and declared loudly, "Your humble deity wishes to follow the Heavenly Court's Water God and formally requests to be removed from the divine authority of the Sea God!"

The Jade Emperor chuckled, "Granted. Where is Lord Dongmu?"

Lord Dongmu rose and bowed, "Your old servant is here!"

"Ao Yi's divine rank shall advance one step. His specific duties and powers shall be decided by you and my beloved subject Chang Geng."

"Your old servant obeys!"

Ao Yi breathed a slight sigh of relief, turned his head to give Li Changshou a shy smile, bowed respectfully, then turned and rushed back to his previous seat. Li Changshou smiled and shook his head; this Second Patriarch of his certainly had good intentions.

Late at night, Li Changshou emerged from the alchemy room, his figure settling by the lake, standing quietly with his hands clasped behind his back. There was nothing for it; Ling'e had started to concoct some "bathing accidentally caught by senior brother" scenarios again. Only when Ling'e realized her trick had failed, quickly tidied herself up, and removed the barriers around the thatched hut, did Li Changshou turn and walk over, a faint smile on his lips.

"Senior brother!" Ling'e greeted him from the doorway, calling out clearly.

Li Changshou looked up and chuckled, "Which family's little immortal maiden is this?"

She wore a goose-yellow gauze dress, and her creamy skin appeared even more delicate and beautiful under the illumination of the precious pearls. At Li Changshou's words, Ling'e's cheeks flushed with an intoxicating blush. She gently bit her thin lip, clasped her soft hands in front of her, stepped aside from the doorway, then lowered her head, her eyes sparkling, and smiled enchantingly.

"Stinky senior brother, you finally bothered to look at me..."

Li Changshou calmly stated, "The Stability Sutra."

"Hmph, I'll copy it then!"

Entering the thatched hut, Li Changshou sat down in his exclusive armchair, picked up the tea Ling'e had prepared earlier. "Come sit here. I have two matters to discuss with you today."

Discuss? Ling'e blinked, muttering softly, "Senior brother, why don't you just give orders if there's something you need?"

"These two matters are rather complicated," Li Changshou thought for a moment, then took out a jade hairpin from his sleeve and pushed it towards Ling'e. "First, keep this on your person."

Ling'e's eyes immediately lit up, and she gleefully snatched it.

"This wasn't given by me," Li Changshou stated calmly. "It was given by a female immortal with whom I have a rather close relationship at the moment. She asked me to pass it to you."

*Crackling sounds!* Behind Ling'e, dozens of lightning bolts seemed to flash, and the desolate music of an erhu immediately filled the surroundings. *Why, when it was clearly her first... Just after her tribulation and this period of retreat, her senior brother had already acquired a female immortal with a close relationship, who even sent her a jade hairpin to declare her senior brother's ownership!*

"Have you heard of the Three Xiao Immortals of the Jie Sect?"

"I have," Ling'e said dejectedly, on the verge of tears. "The Three Xiao Immortals of the Jie Sect, primeval beings, some of the most powerful cultivators in heaven and earth. They are all recorded in the classics senior brother gave me."

"Yes, the one who gave you the jade hairpin is Immortal Yun Xiao, the eldest sister among the Three Xiao, and the senior outer disciple of the Jie Sect."

Ling'e was instantly stunned, her small eyes first losing focus, then suddenly widening in shock. "Senior brother, you managed to trick Immortal Yun Xiao into being yours!?"

"Three thousand recitations of the Stability Sutra," Li Changshou couldn't help but retort. "What do you mean, 'trick'?! The full story is very complicated to explain. You can understand it as: Immortal Yun Xiao and I had some initial interactions, but various powerful figures continuously assisted from the sidelines, causing Immortal Yun Xiao, who wasn't very clear about matters of Dao companions, to develop some favorable feelings towards me. These powerful figures who helped facilitate include Xuan Du Master of the Human Sect, Daoist Duobao of the Jie Sect, and a certain wise and heroic, unconstrained Sect Master of the Jie Sect..."

Ling'e opened her small mouth, then raised a hand to her forehead, feeling completely dizzy and disoriented. "Senior brother, if you'd just eaten two peanuts... Ouch!" She covered her forehead, which had been lightly struck, giving a wry smile and complaining, "Senior brother, how can I believe you when you suddenly say such things?"

"Where is that medicinal pill I gave you earlier?"

Ling'e flipped her delicate hand, immediately produced the pill, and said with a flushed face: "It's here! But I ate it... although I wrapped it in immortal power..."

"Carefully feel the Dao charm of this pill."

"Oh," Ling'e complied, quietly began to sense it, and soon her delicate brows furrowed slightly.

Li Changshou calmly stated, "You are now in the Heavenly Immortal Realm, so you should be able to recognize the extraordinary nature of this pill. This is a Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir, refined by Lord Laozi and given by Xuan Du Master."

Ling'e's eyes flickered, and she mumbled through bitten lips, "Senior brother, why didn't you keep such a valuable item for yourself to use during your Golden Immortal tribulation?"

"I already passed the Golden Immortal tribulation a long time ago."

Ling'e: ...

Li Changshou slowly sighed and said: "Now, you and master are still the people I trust the most. Although your mental fortitude is far from sufficient, master's account is ruined—*cough*! As the saying goes, 'Raise a junior sister for a hundred years, use her for a moment.' Although I have the method of paper effigies, sometimes I feel unable to manage both internal and external matters. I need you to step forward and help me handle some sect affairs. Today, I will tell you some things about my external affairs. Though I cannot tell you everything, I will still heed your suggestions. If you feel you don't want to undertake these responsibilities, I can erase your memories of tonight, and tomorrow I will treat you as I always have."

"I'll take it!" Ling'e hurriedly said, "Senior brother, I'll take it. Whatever you need me for, it's fine!"

Li Changshou: ...

"First, look here." Li Changshou took out a scroll from his bosom, unrolled it, and inside was a portrait of Immortal Yun Xiao, with lines of small text annotated beside it. "This is Immortal Yun Xiao's basic information and her 'view on Dao companions'. Familiarize yourself with it first, to avoid overthinking and worrying. Then, memorize all of this, and don't make any mistakes or omissions."

Afterward, Li Changshou took out a stack of jade talismans. The "Little Qiong Peak Wandering Plan" was recorded within this stack of jade talismans.